Design Times--All Things Interior Designhttp://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/
Webs.comFabric, Glorious FabricSuzannehttp://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/42351781
<p>I love fabric. It's an obsession, really. I consider it to be a byproduct of being a Designer, akin to an mechanic who collects antique cars or an accountant who loves spreadsheets (I'm told people like this actually exist, though I'm skeptical). </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/fabric bolt.jpg"/><br/></p><p>A significant portion of the work that I do entails textiles of some sort, be it rugs, furnishings, accessories, or window treatments. As a fan of texture and color, any room I design isn't complete without fabric. That's why I'm delighted to partner with fabric.com. Let's face it, fabrics are expensive and inevitably, the must-have fabric is never on sale! Enter fabric.com. This fabric supplier has a humongous offering, including brand names, all for a fraction of the price. In addition to home decor, they also offer crafting, clothing, and quilting fabrics, sewing notions and even kniting supplies! That's why I'm thrilled to partner with them to bring you unparalleled products for the best value! If I get any insider information on deals and promotions, I'll pass them along. In the meantime, check them out and let me know what you think!&#160;</p><p><a target="_blank" href="&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-7572645-10366180&quot;&gt;Fabric.com Coupon Corner&lt;/a&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-7572645-10366180&quot; width=&quot;1&quot; height=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot;/&gt;"><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-7572645-10366180">Fabric.com Coupon Corner</a><img border="0" height="1" width="1" src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-7572645-10366180"/></a><br/></p><p>Happy projecting!</p><p><br/></p>Thu, 05 Jun 2014 20:45:00 +0000http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/42351781Shutters Shutters Everywhere!Suzannehttp://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/17547208
<p>Let's face it. Shutters are in. Whether you use old charactered shutters, or pick up new ones from the hardware store, the ideas are endless when it comes to using shutters as a design element in your space. Here are some ideas on how you can incorporate shutters into your decor.</p><p><br/></p><p><b>Create an accent wall.</b> By using a variety of sizes and colors, this wall becomes a remarkable focal point in the room. Place the shutters like a puzzle along the wall. Select a handful of colors and start creating! This wall is gorgeous! </p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/shutters1.jpg"/><br/></p><p align="center"><br/></p><p align="left"><b>Build a shelf.</b> Hang an old (or new painted to look old!) shutter horizontally, add decorative L brackets and a piece of wood on the top, and viola! You have a beautiful shelf on which to accessorize. </p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/shutters2.jpg"/></p><p align="center"><br/></p><p align="left"><b>Shutter Screen.</b> Hinge several full length shutters together to create a decorative screen. What a lovely backdrop to layer accessories in front. Go bold with color, or create an old distressed look. Choices, choices, choices. </p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/shutters3.jpg"/> &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; <img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/shutters5.jpg" height="486" width="324"/></p><p align="center"><br/></p><p align="left"><b>Headboard.</b> In lieu of using a traditional headboard, hang shutters behind the bed to dual function as art and headboard. Alternate colors, like the photo, or choose a single color to create a more clean look. The texture of the louvers adds the perfect punch to finish a room.</p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/shutters4.jpg"/>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</p><p align="center"><br/></p><p align="left"><b>Mail Room.</b> Why not use a decorative shutter to make a pretty mail catchall? Or store those recipes or party invitations to which you need to reply.</p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/shutters6.jpg" height="442" width="331"/></p><p align="center"><br/></p><p align="left"><b>Art.</b> Instead of placing a traditional piece of art behind the sofa, create a lovely layered arrangement. Add some personal touches to make it unique to your personality and you have something special. </p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/shutters7.jpg" height="278" width="419"/></p><p align="center"><br/></p><p align="left"><b>Shutters.</b> Use a shutter as a shutter! Most people don't think of using shutters on the inside of the windows unless they're covering the window itself. Think about using shutters instead of drapery panels to frame the window and add architecture inside your room. These are purely decorative and not functional, but they finish this room perfectly! As a final touch, I would add a simple fabric roman shade for the window itself to pair the hard finish of the shutter with the softness of the shade. <br/></p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/shutters8.jpg" height="337" width="337"/></p><p>&#160;</p><p>Shutters give depth, texture and character to a room. Whatever application you choose, be creative and personalize!</p><p align="center"><br/></p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="center"><br/></p><p align="center"><br/></p>Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:00:00 +0000http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/17547208Tile Trends for 2013Suzannehttp://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/16705137
<p> The international tile and stone exposition, Coverings, just finished.&#160; This is the show where the geniuses behind the tile and stone industry gather annually to unveil innovative textures, patterns and mediums. Trends in tile and stone, just like textiles and clothing, continually change. <br/></p><p> I've collected the best of the best upcoming trends to share with you.</p><p><u><b>Exquisite patterns.</b></u> This magnificent mosaic, featuring a black glass field, is comprised of three different stones carved into round droplets, microscopic leaves and traditional square mosaics. Talk about craftsmanship!<br/></p><p align="center"> &#160; <img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/tile1.jpg" height="470" width="353"/></p><p><u><b>Color.</b></u> Color is making a comeback in fashion and tile! Energetic hues are no longer limited to paint and fabrics. The use of vibrant colored jewel glass permits designers to replicate patterns usually found only in textiles.</p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/tile2.jpg" height="508" width="508"/><br/></p><p> </p><p> <u><b>Back to basics.</b></u> There will be a refreshing return to basic and crisp recognizable geometric patterns. Simple geometric shapes, featured below, make this new concrete tile collection alluring.&#160;</p><p> </p><p> </p><p align="center"> &#160;<img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/tile3.jpg" height="410" width="312"/> &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160;&#160; &#160; <img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/tile4.jpg" height="406" width="334"/></p><p> <u><b>Geometrics.</b></u> "There is something pleasing about geometric shapes and patterns. Perhaps it is our fond memories of elementary and high school math classes or maybe we are just intrinsically drawn to them. Geometry is after all the foundation of everything from the shape of a honeycomb to the arc of a rainbow. It is nature's original design." -Century Furniture &#160;</p><p> Sharp and crisp geometrics were seen in all mediums; stone, glass and wood, including this exquisite wood tile pattern.</p><p align="center"> &#160;<img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/tile5.jpg" height="258" width="306"/> &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160;&#160;<img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/tile6.jpg" height="256" width="335"/></p><p> &#160;&#160; </p><p> </p><p> The "star of the show" was by far the classic Chevron.</p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/tile7.jpg" height="305" width="305"/>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; <img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/tile9.jpg" height="304" width="331"/><br/></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <u><b>Texture and Dimension Reigns!</b></u> Tile is no longer square and flat. Texture and dimension continue to dominate the market. Eclat from Artistic Tile takes the Chevron pattern to new heights.</p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/tile10.jpg" height="307" width="307"/><br/></p><p> </p><p> Sensuous Bernina from Villeroy &amp; Boch is available in a multitude of sizes as well as dimensional wall cladding. There is a predominant trend of utilizing the same material on the floor and wall in different formats.&#160;</p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/tile11.jpg" height="265" width="459"/><br/></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <u><b>Large format.</b></u> Large Format tile gets BIGGER and looks fabulous! Last year the trend was 16"x32", now it is 36"x72" and looking sharp!&#160;</p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/tile12.jpg" height="513" width="385"/><br/></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> These product trends are already infiltrating the tile and stone markets and you can expect to see more as we approach 2013. As always, have fun with your tile project! So many options, so little time!<br/></p><p> &#160;</p><p> </p>Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:30:00 +0000http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/16705137Color Consult: Working with GraySuzannehttp://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/16200503
<p>Charcoal gray may be a neutral, but it's also a statement. It's bolder than its lighter brethren; more modern than its neutral cousins, the beiges; and less dramatic than black. <br/></p><p>&#160;</p><p>&#160;</p><p>True gray (or achromatic gray) is a mixture of black and white. It has equal values of red, green and blue (RGB), and thus no hue. Off-grays &#8212; what we most often use in decorating &#8212; have very subtle but important differences in the values of red, green and blue. Cool grays are noticeably blue, green or violet. Warm grays are noticeably pinkish or brown and may have yellow tones. </p><p>&#160;</p><p>Charcoal off-grays have very subtle differences in the RGB values but remain true neutrals, making them the perfect complement for most colors, especially bright whites, warm citrus hues and pinks. </p><p> </p><p>Because it appears so often in nature &#8212; think stones, storm clouds and the North Atlantic &#8212; gray also works well in with natural materials like wood, marble and greenery. </p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/gorgeous%20gray.jpg" height="463" width="695"/></p><p align="left">Cool charcoal pairs well with bright white trim and works with most wood floors. In a house like this, with period details and nice bones, it highlights the architecture while modernizing the room. An otherwise traditional home, takes on a contemporary flare by adding fuscia chair backs and a modern Roman shade. </p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/gray2.JPG"/></p><p align="left">In this dining room, using warm charcoal above the bright white wainscoting adds a lot of drama. People often inadvertantly select cool grays for the walls and they dislike the results. Choosing a gray with brown undertones will warm up a room and create an inviting space. </p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/gray3.jpg"/></p><p align="left">In this living room, a bold yellow sofa is paired with a cool gray, creating a modern and energetic room. Grays can--and should--be paired with primary colors. You can also tweak the primary-gray combination and select a bold orange or pink to give the room a pop. </p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/gray%20kitchen%20cabinets.jpg"/></p><p align="left">How do you create interest when using all neutrals? Vary the tone and texture, of course! In this lovely kitchen, the gray cabinets are interrupted by the textured glass doors and the gorgeous patterned wallpaper backsplash. Adding the distressed cream table to function as an island gives the contemporary gray an eclectic feel. Add a splash of orange, and viola! Magic. </p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="left">Gray can add a subtle softness to a room, or create a bold and dramatic accent. Whatever your purpose, consider using gray as your go-to color in design. <br/></p>Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:45:00 +0000http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/16200503The Painted CeilingSuzannehttp://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/14716007
<p>"Psst! Look up here!" declares your ceiling. "What about me?" Give your ceiling the attention it deserves.<br/></p><p><br/></p><p>If you're getting ready to paint the walls, don't forget about the often overlooked ceiling. The ceiling should be treated as the 5th wall in your room. Often times, it has the largest visible surface area in the room because it doesn't have windows, furniture, doors, or artwork to break it up. It's large and continuous. They are often forgotten and neglected, even though they have so much potential. With a little creativity or perhaps just a coat of paint, ceilings can give your room that wow factor like nothing else can. </p><p><br/></p><p>How do you choose a color for your ceiling? Follow these tips. </p><p><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/ceiling1.jpg"/><br/></p><p>1.&#160;<u><b> HARMONY</b></u>--To achieve a monochromatic look, use hues in the same color family for both the walls and the ceiling. Don't be afraid to use the darker color on the ceiling. Pull colors from the same strip, but make sure you choose colors that are several shades away from one another. This will create a space that is dramatic, elegant and harmonious.</p><p><br/></p><p align="left"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/ceiling2.jpg"/></p><p align="center"><br/></p><p align="left"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/ceiling6.jpg"/><br/></p><p>2.&#160; <u><b>GO BOLD</b></u><b>--</b> Painting the ceiling a bold color will have a powerful impact on the room. Don't be afraid to use a bold color on the ceiling even if the walls are white. Won't that make the room feel smaller, you ask? The answer is no. By painting the ceiling a bold color, you're actually drawing the eye upward, making the walls seem taller. </p><p><br/></p><p><i>Tip-- If you have high ceilings that you want to visually bring down, take the ceiling color about one foot down onto the wall. The room will look much more cozy and intimate.</i></p><p><br/></p><p><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/ceiling7.jpg"/><br/></p><p align="right"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/ceiling4.jpg"/><br/></p><p>3.&#160; <u><b>ADD ARCHITECTURE</b></u><b>--</b>Most newer homes lack architectural interest characteristic of well crafted older homes. The solution? Create architecture. Add beadboard and paint or stain it. Add geometric depth with the simple application of 2 x 2s and a variety of paint. Add beams. The options are limitless, but adding architecture will transform your room, especially when combined with color. </p><p><br/></p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/ceiling5.jpg" height="695" width="508"/><br/></p><p>4. <u><b>TRAY CEILINGS</b></u><b>--</b>If you're lucky enough to have tray ceilings in your home, don't neglect them! I go to many-a-home that is graced with these architectural beauties, and they remain ignored. Instead, highlight them. Whether subtle or adventurous, uniform ceiling and wall color or multi-colored, treat those tray ceilings like the gems they are!</p><p><br/></p><p><br/>Now go give your ceilings some attention! You'll love the difference it makes in your home!<br/></p>Fri, 04 May 2012 14:45:00 +0000http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/14716007Bring the Beach HomeSuzannehttp://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/14271197
<p>As I get ready to leave on a beach vacation, I'm reminded of just how much I love coastal decor. The soothing tones, the nautical remiders, and the soft feel all calm my spirit. This got me pondering the idea of bringing the beach home. Even if you live in snow country, you can infuse coastal elements into your home to add calm. Here's how:</p><p><br/></p><p><b>1. IN THE KITCHEN. </b></p><p><u><b>Ocean Hues</b></u></p><p>A light-blue shade on the cabinets and island complements the sea-inspired backsplash and softens stainless steel appliances and dark countertops and floors.</p><p>&#160;</p><p><u><b>Sun-catching Tiles</b></u></p><p>The tile is perfectly selected to contrast ever-so-slightly with the cabinets. A hint of iridescent shimmer sets off the blue cabinetry and sandy trim and ceiling. Ahhhhh... I can hear the ocean waves already!<br/></p><p>&#160;</p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/beach-kitchen-l.jpg"/></p><p align="center"><br/></p><p><b>2. IN THE BREAKFAST NOOK </b></p><p><u><b>Nature-inspired Furniture</b></u></p><p>With a similar texture to dunes and grasses, these chairs can&#8217;t help but evoke the beach. Combined with natural woven shades and some tonal variation with the sofa, this look is soft, natural and calming. <br/></p><p>&#160;</p><p><u><b>Pops of Color</b></u></p><p>The pair of turquoise tables ties this space to the nearby kitchen and pulls those soothing blues into this otherwise neutral space.</p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/beach-breakfast-nook-l.jpg"/></p><p align="center"><br/></p><p><b>3. IN THE DEN</b> </p><p><u><b>Restful Palette</b></u></p><p>In a room without a view, think about using darker shades of coastal colors to bring in a serene, but not too bright, beach mood. Think greens, blues, browns and tans.<br/></p><p>&#160;</p><p><u><b>Glass Accessories</b></u></p><p>Bottles and balls in shades of blue and green look like they just washed up on the shore. As a side note, I believe colored glass can and should be used in nearly every decor, if only in a small way. The light dances through colored glass and creates a goregous sheen.<br/></p><p>&#160;</p><p><u><b>Graphic Botanicals</b></u></p><p>Modern ines and large-scale pattern make these armchairs the showpieces of the room. People often lean toward smaller patterns, for fear of overdoing it with a large-scale pattern. However, the larger scale becomes the focal point in this room. The room would be blah without the bold chair.</p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/beach-den-l.jpg"/></p><p align="center"><br/></p><p><b>4. IN THE DINING ROOM </b> </p><p><u><b>Slipcovered Seating</b></u></p><p>Linen covers on the armchairs add an earthy, organic tone to the beachy palette. Also, without the slipcovers, the room would be filled with hard surfaces. Adding fabric softens room, adds balance to all the hard wood furnishings, and will help to absorb the sound.<br/></p><p>&#160;</p><p><u><b>Game Table</b></u></p><p>I'm all about repurposing. That's why I love garage sales. I can find great pieces that need a little TLC and transform them into something amazing. Enter: dining table. This dining table was once a Ping-Pong table, and is now a playful note in the buttoned-up space. If you look hard enough, you can still see the green paint from its previous life.</p><p>&#160;</p><p><u><b>Soft Sheers</b></u></p><p>Large open windows draped in gauzy linen add a delicate touch to the room, along with beautiful filtered light. Notice how the drapes are hung higher than the window? If you get anything from this today, please get this: unless your room has 20' ceilings, <i>always</i> hang your drapes as high as possible instead of right above the window. Phew! I feel better now!</p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/beach-dining-room-l.jpg"/></p><p align="center"><br/></p><p><b>5. IN THE MASTER BEDROOM</b> </p><p><u><b>Soothing Neutrals</b></u>&#160;</p><p>Various tones of light and sandy colors, from the headboard to the drapes, keep the mood calm.</p><p>&#160;</p><p><u><b>Modern Twists</b></u></p><p>Beach houses don&#8217;t have to be kitschy or fussy! Add a contemporary print to reference the surroundings without being clich&#233;d. No need to add anchors or ships to the room. Subtle with a twist is more effective.<br/></p><p>&#160;</p><p><u><b>Linens</b></u></p><p>Super-soft linen duvet covers like this one feel as inviting as they look. These linens are anything but fussy.</p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/beach-master-bedroom-l.jpg"/></p><p align="center"><br/></p><p><b>6. IN THE GUEST ROOM<br/></b></p><p><u><b>Textured Draperies</b></u></p><p>A thick fabric in the same shade as the trim and ceiling draws the eye toward the stunning view. If you live in snow country, you won't have the ocean view, but the look would still work. <br/></p><p>&#160;</p><p><u><b>Beachy Brightness</b></u></p><p>In a room with lots of fun pattern, a pop of solid color anchors the space.</p><p>&#160;</p><p><u><b>Playful Upholstery</b></u></p><p>One small-scale print, like these dancing ladies in sea blues, keeps the mood light and the look cohesive.</p><p>&#160;</p><p><u><b>Common Thread</b></u></p><p>The rug picks up on other blues so that the patterns can coordinate, not clash.</p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/beach-bunk-room-l.jpg"/></p><p align="center"><br/></p><p>With the right mix of tranquil colors, organic textures, and playful accents, you can infuse the beach into your home. Don't want a completely coastal abode? Throw in a few elements to conjure that airy feel.<br/>&#160;</p><p align="left"><i><br/></i></p><p align="left"><i>Photos courtesy of Coastal Living Magazine.</i><br/></p><p>&#160;</p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p><br/></p>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:45:00 +0000http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/14271197The Painted DoorSuzannehttp://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/13622653
<p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/door2.jpg"/></p><p>Doors. Let&#8217;s face it, we all go through them day in and day out. &#160;Whether it's the front door, the back door, the office door, the closet door, or even the revolving door (for good or bad), a door is like saying &#8220;hello." It is the first impression. Why not make the right impression?</p><p><br/></p><p>We all know the impact an a painted door can create on the exterior of a home. Adding the right color can add curb appeal to your home. Whether you go bold, or neutral, adding an unexpected splash of color can transform&#160; the outside of your home.</p><p><br/></p><p><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/door1.jpg" height="543" width="408"/><br/></p><p><br/></p><p>&#160;</p><p align="right"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/door4.jpg" height="365" width="365"/></p><p align="right"><br/></p><p align="left">The same concept holds true for the interior doors in your home. People assume that all doors within a home must match. If one is stained, they all must be stained. If one is painted white, they all must remain white. I would argue otherwise. Take a look at how the doors below use a variety of colors. Some bold, some neutral. Also notice how painting even one door changes the feel of the space.</p><p align="left"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/door5.jpg"/></p><p align="right"><br/></p><p align="right"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/door6.jpg"/></p><p align="right"><br/></p><p align="left"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/door8.jpg"/></p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="left"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/door10.jpg"/></p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="right"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/door7.jpg" height="379" width="379"/></p><p align="right"><br/></p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/door9.jpg"/></p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="left">Truthfully, I have a small obsession with painted doors. My vacation photos are filled with shots of picturesque doors. Rustic or new, they lead me to imagine what lies behind. Surely, it must be something equally divine. So adding this touch, both within and outside your home can ignite your imagination and inspire you. Can't we all use a little more inspiration? At least, that's my justification for my love of the painted door.</p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="left">Which door is your favorite? Do you have any unusual door colors in your home? Tell me about it! I'd love to hear your stories.<br/></p><p align="left"><br/></p><p><br/></p>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:55:00 +0000http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/13622653Using Multiple Cabinet FinishesSuzannehttp://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/12535596
<p>Just as I always recommend against buying a whole bedroom or living room set, I also recommend against using the same finish on all of your kitchen cabinets. Mixing up the colors or finishes adds a bit of the unexpected, and let's face it, the unexpected results in visual interest. </p><p><br/></p><p>But don't the cabinets need to match each other and doesn't the kitchen table need to match the cabinets? Negative, Houston. In fact, the opposite is true. Every room becomes more attractive with a nice mix of textures, colors, and finishes, so why not the kitchen? </p><p><br/></p><p><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/color_cabinets.JPG"/><br/></p><p>Take this gorgeous remodel from Beaux R'eves. With the use of multiple finishes, smartly varied by work area, this kitchen becomes artful. </p><p><br/></p><p>Start with the island. Islands of contrasting color are nothing new, but by selecting largley contrasting colors (black and white) the island is separated from the perimeter cabinets. Moreover, the details of the cabinetry (corbels, moulding, etc.) give the island a furniture feel. Notice they counter on the island is not the same material as the perimeter. This adds another layer of dimension in this room.</p><p><br/></p><p>To connect the island to the perimeter, these homeowners chose to add a cornice over the sink in the same finish as the island. This works perfectly in this space because of the layout. The sink is symmetrically placed and centered behind the island. If not for that, the cornice wouldn't be as impactful or as well placed. </p><p><br/></p><p>Finally, the desk area is offset in a third color--khaki. This adds warmth to the kitchen, while offsetting another work area. The details on the desk connect it to the rest of the room, namely the arched open shelving unit that mimics the arched window above the sink. To add to the textural richness of this kitchen, the homeowners added chicken wire to the doors above the desk. </p><p><br/></p><p>Next time you're tempted to get a matching set of something other than dishes, think again! This example illustrates a successful remodel using multiple materials. Happy remodeling!<br/></p>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:35:00 +0000http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/12535596Choosing Paint Colors the Easy WaySuzannehttp://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/12437772
<p><b>How to Choose Paint</b></p><p><br/></p><p>If you are looking for ways to kick-start your room redo,&#160;My Image Inspiration is a tool that allows you to upload a picture of something you like and think would work for your space&#8212;whether it&#8217;s a piece of art, furniture, fabric&#8212;anything! Once your photo is uploaded, the program gives you color palettes based on your inspiration! </p><p><br/></p><p><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/my_inspiration.jpg"/></p><p><br/></p><p>Simply follow these steps:</p><p><br/></p><p><u><b>Step 1.</b></u> Click <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mycolortopia.com">HERE</a> to go to&#160;Glidden&#8217;s&#160;My Image Inspiration&#160;tool and click &#8220;upload a photo of your inspiration.</p><p>Here is my inspiration photo: <br/></p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/patchwork_wallpaper.jpg"/></p><p align="left">Remember, the inspiration photo doesn't have to be a room. It can literally be anything--a bowl of fruit, a bouquet of flowers, a building, a landscape, fabric, wallpaper..... anything that inspires you.</p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="left"><u><b>Step 2.</b></u> Once you upload your image, My Image Inspiration will give you a color pallete. Here's what I got from my inspiration photo:</p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/glidden_colors.jpg"/></p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="left"><u><b>Step 3</b></u></p><p>Voila!&#160; You will have a paint color wheel shown on on the right. You can click on any of the colors you like the best and it will tell you some complimentary and contrasting color palettes that will work with that color.&#160; Click any of the color boxes to display different color pallets and
color combinations of paint that coordinate with your inspired image.</p><p><br/></p><p>Now play! You can move the target area to get different main colors and upload as many images as you want. </p><p><br/></p><p>This is a great way to begin to narrow your paint color choices. Have fun and feel free to share you color combinations. I'd love to see them!<br/></p><p>&#160;</p><p><br/></p><p>&#160;</p><p><br/></p><p>&#160;</p><p><br/></p><p>&#160;</p><p><br/></p>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:55:00 +0000http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/1243777210 Beautiful Home Office Layout and Organization IdeasSuzannehttp://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/11910881
<p>I'm in the organizational mood. Perhaps because I'm working on a home office project for a client, or maybe because I'm working through my home to get everything, including closets, organized. Organizational systems don&#8217;t have to be ugly eyesores that we hide from friends and family!&#160; Here are 10 office solutions that you can create for your own home office!&#160; </p><p><br/></p><p><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/office1.jpg"/></p><p>1.&#160; Colorful Fabric Bulletin Board-- In my book, anytime you add fabric to a space, you enhance it. This colorful bulletin board allows you to organize those unappealing required office items with pizzaz.&#160; Mount squares of fabric covered cork boards and use them to post notes, pegboards for hanging supply cups and bins, and whiteboards or chalkboards for jotting down reminders. Also notice the contrast between the dark floor and the white cabinets and the splash of color added with the chair and accessories. Fab!</p><p><br/></p><p><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/office2.jpg"/></p><p>2.&#160; Office Doubling as a Guest Room--An attic space is completely renovated into a gorgeous shabby chic office which doubles as a guest room. Talk about making use of an otherwise akward space!</p><p><br/></p><p><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/office3.jpg"/></p><p>3.&#160; Repurposed Wonder--Everything in this office came from repurposing old items or using handmade items. The floating shelves are from picket fences and the armoire now stores a computer. The gorgeous colors--turquoise and chocolate--tie it all together.</p><p><br/></p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/office4.png"/></p><p align="left">4.&#160; Chalkboard Paint--You've seen it before... a chalkboard wall. But this works splendidly with the wallpapered adjacent walls and the charactered furniture. You can keep your children busy while you work! The sconces are beautiful, excluding the cords. I'm against cords hanging down from any wall, for the record, though the dark wall does camouflage the cords. PLEASE pay to have the electrical installed and don't dangle your cords. There... my public service announcement is complete!!</p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/office5.jpg"/>&#160; </p><p align="left">5. Closet Turned Home Office--Do you have a closet or nook that would be the perfect place for a small office? Take a look at how this unused space became the perfect home office. By tucking everything into the closet, you keep the walkway open. The shelving adds interest and function. This homeowner didn't skimp on the molding details and the result is a fabulous furniture-like office nook.</p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="left"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/office6.png"/></p><p align="left">6.&#160; Think Outside the Shoe Cubbie--By using an item intended for another purpose, you can create the perfect cubbie storage unit. Shoe cubbie turned office storage or craft command center. Excellent storage idea!</p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="left"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/office7.jpg"/></p><p align="left">7.&#160; Clipboard Bulletin Board Organization--Personalize your organizational needs by adhering scrapbook paper or fabric to a plain clipboard. &#160;Hang your finished clipboards on the wall and voila! You have beautiful clips ready to use!</p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="left"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/office8.jpg"/></p><p align="left">8. Make Use of Unused Space--This is a brilliant example of how an often unused area in your home can become a functional and beautiful office space! The secretary desk fits nicely in the hallway and the fabric curtain hides cords and any unsightly items. The angled stair wall becomes a command center, without looking too officey. Very stylish.</p><p align="left"><br/></p><p align="center"><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/office9.jpg"/></p><p>&#160;</p><p>9.&#160; Hidden Office Setup in a Folding Bookshelf--Ok, I must first swoon over this idea! It is brilliant. This compact, self-contained craft or office nook is functional and stylish.&#160; At first glance it appears to be an unconventional armoire.&#160; In actuality it is two bookcases hinged along one side. &#160;The idea of closing it and hiding your workspace is fabulous. Painting it inside and out adds some character and umph. Have I told you how much I love this idea?</p><p><br/></p><p><img src="http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/office10.jpg"/></p><p>10.&#160; Small but Functional. If you are short on space that shouldn&#8217;t prevent you from creating a proper office for yourself or your kids. By placing the bookshelf perpindicular to the wall, you add space for two desk stations and you gain storage on the side. <br/></p><p><br/></p><p>What is your favorite idea? Have you created unique offices in your home? I'd love to hear your ideas!<br/></p><p>&#160;</p><p><br/></p>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000http://www.swdesignconcepts.com/apps/blog/show/11910881